Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-15-2025

Abstract

Garnets are valuable for studying geologic processes, particularly fluid-rock interactions in terrestrial skarns. This dissertation examines secondary garnets and associated Ca-Fe silicates in Allende-like CV3 chondrites and terrestrial skarns to assess garnets as recorders of fluid-rock interactions. Chapter 2 investigates garnets from the Willsboro-Lewis skarn, revealing that mineral separate techniques misrepresent rare earth element (REE) signatures. Chapter 3 examines garnets and clinopyroxenes from the Victorio Mining District skarn, showing that REE incorporation was controlled by fluid composition rather than crystal chemistry. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on extraterrestrial samples. Chapter 4 finds that garnets and pyroxenes in Allende CV3 matrix nodules precipitated from aqueous fluids, with vi REEs remaining immobile. Chapter 5 shows that CAI-associated garnets formed through pseudomorphism and fluid precipitation, with REEs inherited from matrix fluids, and Ba behaving similarly to Ca during alteration.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Adrian J Brearley

Second Committee Member

Jin Zhang

Third Committee Member

Charles K Shearer

Fourth Committee Member

Richard Hervig

Language

English

Keywords

garnets in skarns; grossular and andradite in Allende; secondary alteration in CV3 chondrites; REE patterns in skarn garnets

Document Type

Dissertation

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